Ways to give back and spread holiday cheer

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HOUSTON -- The holiday season is here and that means it's time to spread some cheer to those who need it most. So I'm serving up some ways you can give back this holiday season.

TOYS FOR TOTS

Every child deserves a little joy and what better way to bring them that than with the gift of a toy.

"Toys for Tots" is running out of time to buy gifts for at least 7 million children in the United States.
You can make a donation or host an event by going to their website.

BENNETT'S BEARS

Speaking of toys one local charity needs your help in spreading holiday cheer to pediatric cancer patients.
Bennett's Bears was created after the Nester's 18 month old son, at the time, was diagnosed with brain cancer.
Bennett had to spend the holidays in the hospital and was cheered up when someone gave him a Build-a-Bear.
Since then it's been their mission to collect Build-a-Bears and give them to children at the hospital who are unable to go home.
In its 3 years Bennett's Bears has given out more than 3000 Build-a-Bears. I've personally met the family and it is a wonderful cause.
You can Build-a-Bear in the store and ship it to them, or do it online. They also accept donations through PayPal.

You request a pre-postmarked bag from their website and fill it with your children's clothes that are old but in mint condition.
Those clothes are then sold online at an extremely affordable price For every purchase you make 40% of the proceeds go towards school programs.

For instance today's would be to tape change to a vending machine. Or one is as simple as smiling at everyone you see that day. You make someone else's day and your day a little brighter.
These are just a few of the ways you can spread some holiday cheer and truly get into the holiday spirit.
Because making someone else's holiday a little bit brighter is priceless.